Autumn

Autumn leaves, Carroll County, Ark.

The first frost nips the garden; 
the woodshed's full, and we

recall mornings past when we

saw blooms and image'd fruit.

One by one things loved escape,

people too, like autumn leaves,

slip their places and return

to earth beneath the trees.

Then we cold, hungry children

must sometimes be carried home

to dine though undeserving

and wonder what we know.

Fallen tree Carroll County, Ark.